The What and Why of FSC

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is an international non-profit organization that promotes responsible management of the world's forests and was founded in 1993 in response to concerns about deforestation, habitat destruction, and social conflicts related to forest management practices.

By becoming certified with the FSC Chain of Custody we are demonstrating our commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. The FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification is a system that tracks the flow of FSC-certified materials through the production process, from the forest to the final product thus maintaining the integrity of the FSC certification throughout the supply chain. The 'Chain of Custody' is the process by which the source of a timber product is verified. Certification involves inspection and auditing of the land from which the timber and pulpwood originate and tracking it through all the steps of the production process until it reaches the end user. 

Benefits of FSC Paper

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper is a sustainable paper choice that comes from responsibly managed forests. These forests are managed according to strict environmental, social, and economic standards set by the FSC. By using FSC paper, we ensure that the products we print have a minimal environmental impact, promote biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of local communities. Utilising FSC paper is a significant step towards environmental responsibility and supports the ongoing efforts to conserve our planet's natural resources.

Environmental Responsibility

 FSC certification shows a commitment to sourcing wood products from responsibly managed forests and supporting sustainable forest management practices. This means forests are managed in a way that minimizes environmental impact, protects biodiversity, and promotes the renewal of the forest.  FSC certified forests are replanted and maintained for future generations.

Sustainability Benefits of FSC

Preservation of Forest Ecosystems: FSC promotes responsible forest management practices that prioritize the preservation of ecosystems. This includes protecting biodiversity, conserving wildlife habitats, and maintaining the ecological balance of forests.

Mitigation of Climate Change: FSC encourages sustainable forest management which helps to mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in trees and soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Conservation of Endangered Species: FSC certification includes requirements for the protection of endangered species and their habitats. By conserving ecosystems within certified FSC forests the habitats of rare and threatened species are protected.

Social Impact

By considering social and economic factors, FSC certification promotes the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities who depend upon forests for their livelihoods. It ensures that forests are managed responsibly and promotes the inclusion of these stakeholders in decision-making processes related to forest management.

For A Local Printer, being certified with FSC is tangible way for us support and deliver environmental awareness through the principles of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical business practices.